U.S. patent application number 17/688262 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-16 for modular charging systems for vehicles.
The applicant listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey M. Alves, Peteris K. Augenbergs.
Application Number | 20220185138 17/688262 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006178285 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220185138 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alves; Jeffrey M. ; et
al. |
June 16, 2022 |
Modular Charging Systems for Vehicles
Abstract
Systems and methods for modular charging of vehicles are
described. For example, a method may include connecting a vehicle
to a charger using a charging plug interface that includes a first
pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals of an
on-board alternating current-to-direct current converter of the
vehicle and a second pair of conductors connected to terminals of a
battery of the vehicle; and charging the battery of the vehicle via
direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors
concurrent with charging of the battery via alternating current
flowing through the first pair of conductors to power the on-board
alternating current to direct current converter.
Inventors: |
Alves; Jeffrey M.;
(Pleasanton, CA) ; Augenbergs; Peteris K.;
(Woodside, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006178285 |
Appl. No.: |
17/688262 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16916990 |
Jun 30, 2020 |
11267360 |
|
|
17688262 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 50/64 20190201;
B60L 53/305 20190201; H02J 7/0045 20130101; B60L 53/16 20190201;
H02J 7/35 20130101; B60L 2210/30 20130101; B60L 53/51 20190201;
B60L 53/62 20190201; H02J 2207/20 20200101; B60L 53/22
20190201 |
International
Class: |
B60L 53/62 20060101
B60L053/62; H02J 7/35 20060101 H02J007/35; H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00; B60L 53/22 20060101 B60L053/22; B60L 50/64 20060101
B60L050/64; B60L 53/51 20060101 B60L053/51; B60L 53/30 20060101
B60L053/30; B60L 53/16 20060101 B60L053/16 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a first alternating current to direct
current converter; a charging plug interface including a first pair
of conductors connected to alternating current input terminals of
the first alternating current to direct current converter and a
second pair of conductors connected to direct current terminals of
the first alternating current to direct current converter; one or
more additional alternating current to direct current converters
connected in parallel with first alternating current to direct
current converter; and a processing apparatus configured to:
receive one or more control signals while a vehicle is connected to
the charging plug interface; and responsive to the one or more
control signals, select one or more alternating current to direct
current converters from among the first alternating current to
direct current converter and the one or more additional alternating
current to direct current converters, wherein the selected one or
more alternating current to direct current converters are activated
to charge a battery of the vehicle via direct current flowing
through the second pair of conductors.
2. The system of claim 1, comprising: a charger battery; and a
direct current to direct current converter coupling the charger
battery to the second pair of conductors, wherein the processing
apparatus is configured to: responsive to the one or more control
signals, charge the battery of the vehicle from the charger battery
via direct current flowing from the direct current to direct
current converter through the second pair of conductors.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the charger battery is configured
to be charged from an alternating current power grid using a
time-of-use management protocol or a demand response protocol.
4. The system of claim 2, comprising: a solar cell, wherein the
charger battery is configured to be charged from the solar
cell.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the solar cell is coupled to the
first alternating current to direct current converter via an
alternating current bus.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the solar cell is coupled to the
first alternating current to direct current converter via a direct
current bus.
7. The system of claim 1, comprising: a solar cell; and a direct
current to direct current converter coupling the solar cell to the
second pair of conductors, wherein the processing apparatus is
configured to: responsive to the one or more control signals,
charge the battery of the vehicle from the solar cell via direct
current flowing from the direct current to direct current converter
through the second pair of conductors.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first alternating current to
direct current converter is bidirectional and the processing
apparatus is configured to: receive a command; and responsive to
the command, draw power from the battery of the vehicle via the
second pair of conductors and first alternating current to direct
current converter.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus is
configured to: present a user interface; receive one or more charge
parameters via the user interface; and adjust current flow on the
second pair of conductors during charging based on the one or more
charge parameters.
10. The system of claim 1, comprising: a transceiver connected to
one or more conductors of the charging plug interface, wherein the
processing apparatus is configured to receive the one or more
control signals using the transceiver.
11. A method comprising: connecting a vehicle to a charger using a
charging plug interface that includes a first pair of conductors
connected to alternating current terminals of an on-board
alternating current-to-direct current converter of the vehicle and
a second pair of conductors connected to terminals of a battery of
the vehicle; and selecting one or more alternating current to
direct current converters from among multiple alternating current
to direct current converters of the charger, wherein the selected
one or more alternating current to direct current converters are
activated to charge the battery of the vehicle via direct current
flowing through the second pair of conductors.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein charging of the battery via the
second pair of conductors is performed using a current control
mode.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein charging of the battery via the
first pair of conductors is performed using a voltage control mode
and charging of the battery via the second pair of conductors is
performed using a current control mode.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein charging of the battery via the
first pair of conductors is performed using a current control mode
and charging of the battery via the second pair of conductors is
performed using a voltage control mode.
15. The method of claim 11, comprising: charging the battery of the
vehicle from a charger battery via direct current flowing from a
direct current to direct current converter through the second pair
of conductors.
16. The method of claim 15, comprising: charging the charger
battery from a solar cell.
17. The method of claim 11, comprising: charging the battery of the
vehicle from a solar cell via direct current flowing from a direct
current to direct current converter through the second pair of
conductors.
18. The method of claim 11, comprising: drawing power from the
battery of the vehicle via the second pair of conductors and a
bidirectional alternating current to direct current converter of
the charger.
19. A vehicle comprising: a battery configured to deliver power to
one or more motors to move the vehicle; an on-board alternating
current to direct current converter with direct current terminals
connected to terminals of the battery; a charging plug interface
including a first pair of conductors connected to alternating
current terminals of the on-board alternating current to direct
current converter and a second pair of conductors connected to
terminals of the battery; and a processing apparatus configured to:
transmit one or more control signals to invoke charging of the
battery via direct current flowing through the second pair of
conductors from one or more alternating current to direct current
converters selected from among multiple alternating current to
direct current converters of a charger connected to the vehicle via
the charging plug interface.
20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein charging of the battery via
the second pair of conductors is performed using a current control
mode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/916,990, filed on Jun. 30, 2020. The
content of the foregoing application is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to modular charging systems for
vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electric vehicles (e.g., electric cars) are charged from
prevalent legacy alternating current power outlets of the existing
infrastructure. An on-board charger (OBC) is included in the
vehicle to enable convenient charging of its battery. By having the
OBC on the car, the charging infrastructure can be less expensive
(e.g., not every charger needs power conversion electronics, and
some may pass AC power directly from a power grid to the car). The
power level that can be achieved using an on-board charger is
practically limited by size and weight considerations for equipment
installed in the vehicle, which causes long charge times. Fast DC
charging is available at specialized charging stations available
only at select locations.
SUMMARY
[0004] Disclosed herein are implementations of modular charging
systems for vehicles.
[0005] In a first aspect, the subject matter described in this
specification can be embodied in systems that include a first
alternating current to direct current converter; a charging plug
interface including a first pair of conductors connected to
alternating current input terminals of the first alternating
current to direct current converter and a second pair of conductors
connected to direct current terminals of the first alternating
current to direct current converter; and a processing apparatus
configured to: receive one or more control signals while a vehicle
is connected to the charging plug interface; and, responsive to the
one or more control signals, charge a battery of the vehicle via
direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors
concurrent with charging of the battery via alternating current
flowing through the first pair of conductors to power an on-board
alternating current to direct current converter of the vehicle.
[0006] In a second aspect, the subject matter described in this
specification can be embodied in methods that include connecting a
vehicle to a charger using a charging plug interface that includes
a first pair of conductors connected to alternating current
terminals of an on-board alternating current-to-direct current
converter of the vehicle and a second pair of conductors connected
to terminals of a battery of the vehicle; and charging the battery
of the vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair
of conductors concurrent with charging of the battery via
alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors to
power the on-board alternating current to direct current
converter.
[0007] In a third aspect, the subject matter described in this
specification can be embodied in vehicles that include a battery
configured to deliver power to one or more motors to move the
vehicle; an on-board alternating current to direct current
converter with direct current terminals connected to terminals of
the battery; a charging plug interface including a first pair of
conductors connected to alternating current terminals of the
on-board alternating current to direct current converter and a
second pair of conductors connected to terminals of the battery;
and a processing apparatus configured to transmit one or more
control signals to invoke charging of the battery via direct
current flowing through the second pair of conductors concurrent
with charging of the battery via alternating current flowing
through the first pair of conductors to power the on-board
alternating current to direct current converter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Described herein are systems and methods for modular
charging of vehicles. Some implementations may be used to provide a
premium home charging experience for an electric vehicle. Charge
times may be reduced by implementing concurrent use of an on-board
alternating current to direct current converter and an alternating
current to direct current converter of an external charger, which
may be installed in the home. In some implementations, a
high-capacity battery in the external charger is used to enable
even faster charging of the vehicle where the external battery has
been previously charged using efficient means. For example, the
external charger battery may be charged using a solar cell, or from
the power grid using demand sensitive or time-of-use management
protocols.
[0009] One of the issues with charging an electric vehicle is all
of the different types of charging (e.g., alternating current and
direct current power sources), locations (home, work, destination,
or road trip stop), and power levels (e.g., 1.2 kW, 7 kW, 10 kW, 20
kW, 150 kW, or 350 kW). An on-board charger (OBC) (e.g., a 7 kW
charger or a 20 kW charger) is installed in the vehicle and allows
a user to plug in to standard infrastructure, and if that is enough
for the user's needs at home, allows for a relatively inexpensive
installation in at the home to accommodate. Users who want more
power, and faster charging times, at home (e.g., 10-20 kW), and who
have a power infrastructure including an alternating current
circuit breaker panel that supports it, can also install an
off-board charger at the home (e.g., mounted on a wall) which is
configured to convert additional power (e.g., an additional 13 kW)
for charging a battery of the vehicle. The off-board charger can
allow the vehicle battery to be charged concurrently with both
alternating current and direct current. For example, the off-board
charger may be connected to one or more wall outlets that provide
alternating current power (e.g., 240 Volts AC at 60 Hz). For
example, a charging plug interface (e.g., including a cord) of the
off-board charger may route alternating current to the on-board
charger of the vehicle (e.g., providing 7 kW of charging power),
while at the same time utilizing the output of the off-board
charger's alternating current to direct current converter to
provide power (e.g., an additional 13 kW) to the vehicle as direct
current though the charging plug interface. Such a setup may
provide the benefit of utilizing the OBC (e.g., a 7 kW charger)
that a vehicle operator has already purchased, and reducing the
size and cost of the external charger used to achieve a given
charging rate. For example, one of the chargers (e.g., the
off-board charger) may operate in current control mode and one of
the chargers (e.g., the on-board charger) may operate in voltage
control mode, which may allow the chargers to share their output
current into the battery of the vehicle. In some implementations, a
charging communications system of the vehicle controls both the
alternating current based on-board charger and the direct current
output of the off-board charger.
[0010] An on-board should be limited to conserve space and weight
in the vehicle. The off-board charger supports a charging mode for
the vehicle that allows it to concurrently utilize direct current
and alternating current through a charging plug interface to charge
its battery. Control signaling between the vehicle and the
off-board charger (e.g., through conductors of the charging plug
interface or via wireless communications) may be used to allow the
off-board charger to indicate it's available charging capabilities
to the vehicle and to allow the vehicle to select what charging
mode(s) will be applied to charge the vehicle battery. For example,
J1772 protocol negotiation between the charger and a battery
management system of the vehicle may be utilized. This technique
may be used to determine what devices are connected and then what
charging mode should be used.
[0011] In some implementations, a solar cell in a home installation
is used to provide power to charge the vehicle battery. For
example, the solar cell may provide power to the vehicle battery
via a direct current to direct current converter that outputs
through the charging plug interface. For example, the solar cell
may be used to charge an external battery connected to the
off-board charger, and the external battery can later be used to
quickly charge the vehicle battery via direct current through the
charging plug interface. For example, adding a bidirectional direct
current to direct current converter in the implementation may
support very fast home charging (e.g., 25-100+ kW) from the
external battery (e.g., a home energy storage) to the vehicle.
Making the direct current to direct current converter bidirectional
may allow the vehicle and the home energy storage to be used in
tandem in the event of a power outage. Transfer of energy from a
home energy storage to a vehicle may allow flexible charging times
and/or fast charging at home. Transfer of energy from a vehicle to
a home energy storage may provide increased capacity of the energy
buffer for blackouts and time-of-use optimization.
[0012] Where a solar system already has a direct current to direct
current converter coupled to the photovoltaic installation, as well
as a direct current to alternating current converter (e.g., an
inverter), one or more of these converters or sub-stages of
converters may be re-used for: fast charge from the external
battery (e.g., turn off solar while fast charging the vehicle for
20-30 minutes); and vehicle to home storage transfer to utilize the
converter at night when the solar system is not producing
energy.
[0013] Some implementations of the systems and methods describe
herein may provide advantages, such as, providing higher power
charging (e.g., 7+13=20 kW) for faster charge times and providing a
single connector for both alternating current and direct current
charging.
[0014] The disclosure is best understood from the following
detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the
various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary,
the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or
reduced for clarity.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a system for
modular charging of a vehicle battery.
[0016] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an example of a system
including charger with a charging plug interface for connecting to
a vehicle and charging a vehicle battery.
[0017] FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an example of a system
including a solar cell and a charger with a charging plug interface
for connecting to a vehicle and charging a vehicle battery.
[0018] FIG. 2C is a block diagram of an example of a system
including a solar cell connected via an alternating current bus to
a charger with a charging plug interface for connecting to a
vehicle and charging a vehicle battery.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of a system
including a vehicle with a charging plug interface configured to
facilitate charging of a vehicle battery.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an example of a process for
charging a vehicle battery using an external charger.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example of a process for
charging a vehicle battery using a variety of power sources
coordinated by an external charger.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an example of a process for
powering an external system from a vehicle battery via an external
charger.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an example of a process for
providing a user interface to enable user control of a charging
process for a vehicle battery.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Described herein are systems and methods that may be used
for modular charging of vehicle batteries.
[0025] While the disclosure has been described in connection with
certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is
not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the
contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent
arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims,
which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a system 100 for
modular charging of a vehicle battery. The system 100 includes a
vehicle 110 connected to a charger 120 via mated charging plug
interfaces 130. The charger 120 is connected to an alternating
current circuit breaker panel 140 that connects to a power grid.
The vehicle 110 includes battery 112, an on-board alternating
current to direct current converter 114, and a processing apparatus
116. The charger 120 is external to the vehicle 110 and thus does
not add weight and take up space in the vehicle 110 when the
vehicle is disconnected from the charger 120 and moving. The
charger 120 includes an alternating current to direct current
converter 122 and a processing apparatus 126 that is configured to
control the alternating current to direct current converter 122 and
communicate with the processing apparatus 116 of the vehicle 110.
For example, the system 100 may be used to implement the process
400 of FIG. 4, the process 500 of FIG. 5, the process 600 of FIG.
6, and/or the process 700 of FIG. 7.
[0027] The system 100 includes a vehicle 110. For example, the
vehicle 110 may be an electric automobile, a truck, a boat, or an
aircraft. The vehicle 110 includes a battery 112, which may be used
to power one or more motors of the vehicle 110. For example, the
battery 112 may be a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride
battery, or a lead-acid battery. The vehicle 110 includes an
on-board alternating current to direct current converter 114, which
may be used to charge the battery 112. The on-board alternating
current to direct current converter 114 may have direct current
terminals connected to terminals of the battery 112. The on-board
alternating current to direct current converter 114 may be part of
a versatile on-board charger that draws low power levels (e.g., 7
kW or 10 kW) from commonly available alternating current power
outlets. For example, the on-board alternating current to direct
current converter 114 may be configured to convert single phase
(e.g., at 50 Hz or 60 Hz) alternating current at 120 Volts or 240
Volts to direct current for charging the battery 112. For example,
the vehicle 110 may be the vehicle 310 of FIG. 3.
[0028] The vehicle 110 also includes a processing apparatus 116
that controls the components of the vehicle 110 associated with the
battery 112, including the on-board alternating current to direct
current converter 114. For example, the processing apparatus 116
may implement a battery management system for the vehicle 110. The
processing apparatus 116 is operable to execute instructions that
have been stored in a data storage device. In some implementations,
the processing apparatus 116 is a processor with random access
memory for temporarily storing instructions read from a data
storage device while the instructions are being executed. The
processing apparatus 116 may include single or multiple processors
each having single or multiple processing cores. For example, the
processing apparatus 116 may include a microprocessor or a
microcontroller. Alternatively, the processing apparatus 116 may
include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of
manipulating or processing data. For example, the data storage
device may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a
hard drive, a solid-state drive, a read-only memory device (ROM),
or any other suitable type of storage device such as a
non-transitory computer readable memory. The data storage device
may include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of
storing data for retrieval or processing by the processing
apparatus 116. For example, a data storage device of the processing
apparatus 116 may store instructions executable by the processing
apparatus 116 that upon execution by the processing apparatus 116
cause the processing apparatus 116 to perform operations to
implement one or more processes described herein. The processing
apparatus 116 may include one or more input/output interfaces
(e.g., serial ports) for controlling other components of the
vehicle 110, including the on-board alternating current to direct
current converter 114, and/or external devices. For example, the
processing apparatus 116 may be configured to select modulation
waveforms for gate terminals of switches of a rectifier of the
on-board alternating current to direct current converter 114 to
enable and control the flow of electric power through the on-board
alternating current to direct current converter 114.
[0029] The system 100 includes an alternating current circuit
breaker panel 140 that connects to a power grid. For example, the
alternating current circuit breaker panel 140 may be located in a
home or other residential structure.
[0030] The system 100 includes a charger 120 that can be, and in
FIG. 1 is, connected to the vehicle 110. The charger 120 is
configured to transfer power between a power grid, via the
alternating current circuit breaker panel 140, and the battery 112
of the vehicle 110. For example, the charger 120 may be an electric
vehicle service equipment (EVSE). For example, the charger 120 may
be the charger 210 of FIG. 2A or the charger 252 of FIG. 2B.
[0031] The system 100 includes a first alternating current to
direct current converter 122. The first alternating current to
direct current converter 122 may be integrated in the charger 120
and configured to convert alternating current from the power grid
to direct current that may be used to charge the battery 112 of the
vehicle 110. For example, the first alternating current to direct
current converter 122 may be larger than the on-board alternating
current to direct current converter 114, since it will not add
weight to the vehicle 110. For example, the first alternating
current to direct current converter 122 may be used to supply
additional power (e.g., 20 kW to 50 kW of additional power) in
parallel with power delivered via the on-board alternating current
to direct current converter 114 to charge the battery 112 of the
vehicle 110. For example, the first alternating current to direct
current converter 122 may include a transformer and a rectifier
(e.g., a full-wave rectifier). For example, the first alternating
current to direct current converter 122 may include a switched-mode
power supply.
[0032] The charger 120 is connected to the vehicle 110 via mated
charging plug interfaces 130 of the charger 120 (e.g., the charging
plug interface 220 of FIGS. 2A-C) and the vehicle 110 (e.g., the
charging plug interface 330 of FIG. 3). The charging plug
interfaces 130 include a first pair of conductors 132 connected to
alternating current input terminals of the first alternating
current to direct current converter 122 and a second pair of
conductors 134 connected to direct current terminals of the first
alternating current to direct current converter 122. In the vehicle
110, the first pair of conductors 132 may be connected to
alternating current terminals of the on-board alternating current
to direct current converter 114 and the second pair of conductors
134 may be connected to terminals of the battery 112. For example,
the charging plug interfaces 130 may conform to a standard, such as
the J1772 standard for electric vehicle connectors.
[0033] The system 100 includes a processing apparatus 126, which
may be integrated in the charger 120. The processing apparatus 126
is operable to execute instructions that have been stored in a data
storage device. In some implementations, the processing apparatus
126 is a processor with random access memory for temporarily
storing instructions read from a data storage device while the
instructions are being executed. The processing apparatus 126 may
include single or multiple processors each having single or
multiple processing cores. For example, the processing apparatus
126 may include a microprocessor or a microcontroller.
Alternatively, the processing apparatus 126 may include another
type of device, or multiple devices, capable of manipulating or
processing data. For example, the data storage device may be a
non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive, a
solid-state drive, a read-only memory device (ROM), or any other
suitable type of storage device such as a non-transitory computer
readable memory. The data storage device may include another type
of device, or multiple devices, capable of storing data for
retrieval or processing by the processing apparatus 126. For
example, a data storage device of the processing apparatus 126 may
store instructions executable by the processing apparatus 126 that
upon execution by the processing apparatus 126 cause the processing
apparatus 126 to perform operations to implement one or more
processes described herein. The processing apparatus 126 may
include one or more input/output interfaces (e.g., serial ports)
for controlling other components of the charger 120, including the
first alternating current to direct current converter 122, and/or
external devices. For example, the processing apparatus 126 may be
configured to select modulation waveforms for gate terminals of
switches of a rectifier of the first alternating current to direct
current converter 122 to enable and control the flow of electric
power through the first alternating current to direct current
converter 122.
[0034] The processing apparatus 126 may be configured to
communicate with the processing apparatus 116 of the vehicle 110
when the vehicle 110 is connected to the charger 120 and facilitate
charging of the battery 112. For example, the processing apparatus
126 may communicate with the processing apparatus 116 via wired
communications over conductors of the mated charging plug
interfaces 130 or via wireless communications (e.g., using a WiFi
network or a Bluetooth link). The processing apparatus 126 may be
configured to receive one or more control signals while the vehicle
110 is connected via a charging plug interface of the charger 120;
and, responsive to the one or more control signals, charge the
battery 112 of the vehicle 110 via direct current flowing through
the second pair of conductors 134 concurrent with charging of the
battery 112 via alternating current flowing through the first pair
of conductors 132 to power the on-board alternating current to
direct current converter 114 of the vehicle 110. In some
implementations, charging of the battery 112 via the first pair of
conductors 132 is performed using a current control mode and
charging of the battery 112 via the second pair of conductors 134
is performed using a current control mode. In some implementations,
charging of the battery 112 via the first pair of conductors 132 is
performed using a voltage control mode and charging of the battery
112 via the second pair of conductors 134 is performed using a
current control mode. In some implementations, charging of the
battery 112 via the first pair of conductors 132 is performed using
a current control mode and charging of the battery 112 via the
second pair of conductors 134 is performed using a voltage control
mode.
[0035] In some implementations, the first alternating current to
direct current converter 122 is bidirectional and the processing
apparatus 126 is configured to enable the draw of power from the
battery 112 of the vehicle 110 to power an external system (e.g.,
to power a home during a power outage). For example, the processing
apparatus 126 may be configured to receive a command (e.g., a
special command to invoke use of the battery 112 of the vehicle 110
as a back-up power source); and, responsive to the command, draw
power from the battery 112 of the vehicle 110 via the second pair
of conductors 134 and the first alternating current to direct
current converter 122.
[0036] For example, the processing apparatus 126 may be configured
to provide a user interface of the charger 120 that enables user
control or configuration of a charging process for the battery 112
of the vehicle 110. In some implementations, the processing
apparatus 126 is configured to present a user interface (e.g., by
transmitting a webpage viewable with user device such as smartphone
or tablet); receive one or more charge parameters (e.g., a
time-till departure or other time limits for a charging process)
via the user interface; and adjust current flow on the second pair
of conductors 134 during charging based on the one or more charge
parameters.
[0037] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an example of a system 200
including charger 210 with a charging plug interface 220 for
connecting to a vehicle and charging a vehicle battery. The system
200 includes a charger 210 that can be connected to a vehicle
(e.g., the vehicle 310) to charge a battery of the vehicle. The
charger 210 includes a first alternating current to direct current
converter 212, a processing apparatus 216, and a charging plug
interface 220 configured to connect to a mated charging plug
interface (e.g., the charging plug interface 330 of FIG. 3) of a
compatible vehicle. The charging plug interface 220 includes a
first pair of conductors 222 (e.g., AC conductors) connected to
alternating current input terminals of the first alternating
current to direct current converter 212 and a second pair of
conductors 224 (e.g., DC conductors) connected to direct current
terminals of the first alternating current to direct current
converter 212. The charger 210 includes a transceiver 214 connected
to one or more conductors 226 (e.g., communications conductors) of
the charging plug interface 220. The charger 210 includes a charger
battery 230 and a direct current to direct current converter 232
coupling the charger battery 230 to the second pair of conductors
224. The charger 210 is connected to an alternating current circuit
breaker panel 240 that connects to a power grid. The charger
battery 230 may be configured to store energy drawn from the power
grid or elsewhere over a relatively long period of time (e.g.,
approximately 24 hours) and rapidly transfer this stored energy to
a battery of a vehicle via the direct current to direct current
converter 232 and the second pair of conductors 224, which may
enable significantly faster charge times. For example, the system
200 may be used to implement the process 400 of FIG. 4, the process
500 of FIG. 5, the process 600 of FIG. 6, and/or the process 700 of
FIG. 7.
[0038] The system 200 includes an alternating current circuit
breaker panel 240 that connects to a power grid. For example, the
alternating current circuit breaker panel 240 may be located in a
home or other residential structure.
[0039] The system 200 includes a charger 210 that can be connected
to a vehicle (e.g., the vehicle 310). The charger 210 is configured
to transfer power between a power grid, via the alternating current
circuit breaker panel 240, and a battery of the vehicle. For
example, the charger 210 may be an electric vehicle service
equipment (EVSE).
[0040] The system 200 includes a first alternating current to
direct current converter 212. The first alternating current to
direct current converter 212 may be integrated in the charger 210
and configured to convert alternating current from the power grid
to direct current that may be used to charge a battery of the
vehicle (e.g., the battery 312). For example, the first alternating
current to direct current converter 212 may be larger than an
on-board alternating current to direct current converter of the
vehicle, since it will not add weight to the vehicle. For example,
the first alternating current to direct current converter 212 may
be used to supply additional power (e.g., 20 kW to 50 kW of
additional power) in parallel with power delivered via the on-board
alternating current to direct current converter to charge the
battery of the vehicle. For example, the first alternating current
to direct current converter 212 may include a transformer and a
rectifier (e.g., a full-wave rectifier). For example, the first
alternating current to direct current converter 212 may include a
switched-mode power supply.
[0041] The charger 210 includes a charging plug interface 220 that
may be used to connect to a vehicle at a corresponding charging
plug interface of the vehicle (e.g., the charging plug interface
330 of FIG. 3). The charging plug interface 220 includes a first
pair of conductors 222 connected to alternating current input
terminals of the first alternating current to direct current
converter 212 and a second pair of conductors 224 connected to
direct current terminals of the first alternating current to direct
current converter 212. For example, the charging plug interface 220
may conform to a standard, such as the J1772 standard for electric
vehicle connectors.
[0042] The system 200 includes a charger battery 230. For example,
the charger battery 230 may have a capacity of 10 kWh, 30 kWh, 60
kWh, or 100 kWh. In some implementations, the charger battery 230
may have a capacity comparable to a capacity of a vehicle battery
to be charged. The charger battery 230 may use a variety of
chemistries. For example, the charger battery 230 may be a
lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a lead-acid
battery. The charger battery 230 may be configured to be charged
efficiently over an extended period of time (e.g., 5 to 20 hours)
from a power grid or other electrical power source. For example,
the charger battery 230 may be configured to be charged from an
alternating current power grid using a time-of-use management
protocol or a demand response protocol.
[0043] The system 200 includes a direct current to direct current
converter 232 coupling the charger battery 230 to the second pair
of conductors 224. For example, the direct current to direct
current converter 232 may be a switched-mode power supply. The
direct current to direct current converter 232 and the charger
battery 230 may support high discharge rates for rapid transfer of
energy from the charger battery 230 to a battery of a vehicle
(e.g., the battery 312). For example, the direct current to direct
current converter 232 and the charger battery 230 may transfer
energy to the battery of a vehicle at 20 kW, 50 kW, 100 kW, or 150
kW. For example, the direct current to direct current converter 232
may be configured to charge the battery of a vehicle using a
current control mode. Charging of the battery of a vehicle from the
charger battery 230 may proceed concurrently with charging using
the first alternating current to direct current converter 212
and/or using an on-board alternating current to direct current
converter of the vehicle. In some implementations, the direct
current to direct current converter 232 is bidirectional and may be
used in controlled in coordination with the first alternating
current to direct current converter 212 to charge the charger
battery 230 from the grid while the no vehicle is connected to the
charging plug interface 220. In some implementations, the system
200 includes a separate alternating current to direct current
converter (not shown in FIG. 2A) coupling the charger battery 230
to the circuit breaker panel 240 connected to the power grid for
charging the charger battery 230.
[0044] The system 200 includes a transceiver 214 connected to one
or more conductors 226 of the charging plug interface 220. For
example, the transceiver 214 may enable communications over the one
or more conductors 226 using a standard compliant signaling
protocol (e.g., a vehicle to grid protocol, such as ISO/IEC
15118-series). In some implementations, the one or more conductors
226 are separate conductors, distinct from the first pair of
conductors 222 and the second pair of conductors 224. In some
implementations, the transceiver 214 implements a broadband over
power line communication protocol (e.g., compliant with the IEEE
1901 standard) and the one or more conductors 226 are one or more
of the second pair of conductors 224, i.e., conductors are reused
for both power transfer and communications between the charger 210
and a vehicle.
[0045] The system 200 includes a processing apparatus 216, which
may be integrated in the charger 210. In some implementations, the
processing apparatus 216 is located partially or entirely outside
of the charger 210 and be in communication with the charger 210.
The processing apparatus 216 is operable to execute instructions
that have been stored in a data storage device. In some
implementations, the processing apparatus 216 is a processor with
random access memory for temporarily storing instructions read from
a data storage device while the instructions are being executed.
The processing apparatus 216 may include single or multiple
processors each having single or multiple processing cores. For
example, the processing apparatus 216 may include a microprocessor
or a microcontroller. Alternatively, the processing apparatus 216
may include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of
manipulating or processing data. For example, the data storage
device may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a
hard drive, a solid-state drive, a read-only memory device (ROM),
or any other suitable type of storage device such as a
non-transitory computer readable memory. The data storage device
may include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of
storing data for retrieval or processing by the processing
apparatus 216. For example, a data storage device of the processing
apparatus 216 may store instructions executable by the processing
apparatus 216 that upon execution by the processing apparatus 216
cause the processing apparatus 216 to perform operations to
implement one or more processes described herein. The processing
apparatus 216 may include one or more input/output interfaces
(e.g., serial ports) for controlling other components of the
charger 210, including the first alternating current to direct
current converter 212, the transceiver 214, the direct current to
direct current converter 232, and/or external devices. For example,
the processing apparatus 216 may be configured to select modulation
waveforms for gate terminals of switches of a rectifier of the
first alternating current to direct current converter 212 to enable
and control the flow of electric power through the first
alternating current to direct current converter 212. For example,
the processing apparatus 216 may be configured to control the
transceiver 214 to send/receive data to/from a processing apparatus
(e.g., a battery management system) of a vehicle connected to
charging plug interface 220. For example, the processing apparatus
216 may be configured to select modulation waveforms for gate
terminals of switches of the direct current to direct current
converter 232 to enable and control the flow of electric power
through the direct current to direct current converter 232.
[0046] The processing apparatus 216 may be configured to
communicate with a processing apparatus (e.g., the processing
apparatus 316) of a vehicle when the vehicle is connected to the
charger 210 and facilitate charging of a battery (e.g., the battery
312) of the vehicle. In this example, the processing apparatus 216
communicates with the processing apparatus of a vehicle via wired
communications over the one or more conductors 226 of the charging
plug interface 220. The processing apparatus 216 may be configured
to receive one or more control signals while the vehicle is
connected via the charging plug interface 220; and, responsive to
the one or more control signals, charge the battery of the vehicle
via direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors
224 concurrent with charging of the battery via alternating current
flowing through the first pair of conductors 222 to power an
on-board alternating current to direct current converter of the
vehicle. In some implementations, charging of the battery via the
first pair of conductors 222 is performed using a current control
mode and charging of the battery via the second pair of conductors
224 is performed using a current control mode. In some
implementations, charging of the battery via the first pair of
conductors 222 is performed using a voltage control mode and
charging of the battery via the second pair of conductors 224 is
performed using a current control mode. In some implementations,
charging of the battery via the first pair of conductors 222 is
performed using a current control mode and charging of the battery
via the second pair of conductors 224 is performed using a voltage
control mode. For example, the processing apparatus 216 may be
configured to receive the one or more control signals using the
transceiver 214. The processing apparatus 216 may be configured to,
responsive to the one or more control signals, charge the battery
of the vehicle from the charger battery 230 via direct current
flowing from the direct current to direct current converter 232
through the second pair of conductors 224. In some implementations,
the rate at which energy is transferred from the charger battery
230 to the battery of the vehicle may be dynamically adjusted based
on charging parameters (e.g. a time limit) received through a user
interface, as described in relation to the process 700 of FIG. 7.
The charger battery 230 may be used to achieve significantly faster
charging times that can be achieved with the on-board alternating
current to direct current converter and the first on-board
alternating current to direct current converter 212, which may have
its power limited by the circuit breaker panel 240.
[0047] FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an example of a system 250
including a solar cell 260 and a charger 252 with a charging plug
interface 220 for connecting to a vehicle and charging a vehicle
battery. The system 250 is similar to the system 200 of FIG. 2A
with a few differences. First, in the system 250, the charger
battery 230 and the direct current to direct current converter 232
are located outside the charger 252. For example, the charger
battery 230 and the direct current to direct current converter 232
may be in a separate battery module that is connected to the
charger 252 and configured to be controlled by the processing
apparatus 216. Second, the system 250 includes a solar cell 260;
and a direct current to direct current converter 262 coupling the
solar cell 260 to the second pair of conductors 224. Third, the
system 250 includes one or more additional alternating current to
direct current converters 270 connected in parallel with first
alternating current to direct current converter 212, which may be
selectively activated to adapt the charging of a vehicle battery to
different charging scenarios. For example, the system 250 may be
used to implement the process 400 of FIG. 4, the process 500 of
FIG. 5, the process 600 of FIG. 6, and/or the process 700 of FIG.
7.
[0048] The system 250 includes a solar cell 260. The solar cell 260
is configured to convert light to electricity by the photovoltaic
effect. The solar cell 260 may be coupled to the first alternating
current to direct current converter via a direct current bus. The
system 250 includes a direct current to direct current converter
262 coupling the solar cell 260 to the second pair of conductors
224, which may enable the transfer of electrical energy generated
by the solar cell 260 to a battery of a vehicle via the second pair
of conductors 224. The processing apparatus 216 of the charger 252
may be configured to control the direct current to direct current
converter 262. The processing apparatus 216 may be configured to,
responsive to the one or more control signals, charge the battery
of the vehicle from the solar cell 260 via direct current flowing
from the direct current to direct current converter 262 through the
second pair of conductors 224. For example, charging directly from
the solar panel may be unavailable at night and under certain
weather conditions, in which case the direct current to direct
current converter 262 may be disabled by the processing apparatus
216 and the charging capabilities advertised by the processing
apparatus in communications with a vehicle may be updated
accordingly. The charger battery 230 may be configured to be
charged from the solar cell 260. In some implementations, the
direct current to direct current converter 232 may be bidirectional
and may be controlled along with the direct current to direct
current converter 262 to charge the charger battery 230 with energy
from the solar cell 260 while no vehicle is connected to the
charging plug interface 220.
[0049] The system 250 includes one or more additional alternating
current to direct current converters 270 connected in parallel with
first alternating current to direct current converter 212. The
processing apparatus 216 may be configured to, responsive to the
one or more control signals from a vehicle, select one or more
alternating current to direct current converters from among the
first alternating current to direct current converter 212 and the
one or more additional alternating current to direct current
converters 270. The selected one or more alternating current to
direct current converters may be activated to charge a battery
(e.g., the battery 312) of the vehicle via direct current flowing
through the second pair of conductors 224. By selectively
activating alternating current to direct current converters, the
processing apparatus 216 may adapt the power level output by the
charger 252 to charge the battery of the vehicle to suit different
charging scenarios.
[0050] FIG. 2C is a block diagram of an example of a system 280
including a solar cell 260 connected via an alternating current bus
to a charger 252 with a charging plug interface 220 for connecting
to a vehicle and charging a vehicle battery. The system 250 is
similar to the system 250 of FIG. 2B with a one main difference.
The solar cell 260 is coupled to the first alternating current to
direct current converter 212 via an alternating current bus. The
system 280 includes a direct current to alternating current
converter 290, instead of the direct current to direct current
converter 262. For example, the direct current to alternating
current converter 290 may include a switching inverter. Energy from
the solar cell 260 may flow through the direct current to
alternating current converter 290, through the alternating current
bus, and through the first pair of conductors 222 to an on-board
alternating current to direct current converter (e.g., the on-board
alternating current to direct current converter 314) of a vehicle
connected to the charging plug interface 220. Energy from the solar
cell 260 may also flow through the direct current to alternating
current converter 290, through the alternating current bus, through
the first alternating current to direct current converter 212, and
through the second pair of conductors 224 to charge a battery
(e.g., the battery 312) of a vehicle connected to the charging plug
interface 220. In some implementations, when no vehicle is
connected to the charging plug interface 220, energy from the solar
cell 260 may flow through the direct current to alternating current
converter 290, through the alternating current bus, through the
first alternating current to direct current converter 212, and
through the direct current to direct current converter 232 to
charge the charger battery 230. In some implementations, when no
vehicle is connected to the charging plug interface 220, energy
from the solar cell 260 may flow through the direct current to
alternating current converter 290, through the alternating current
bus, and through a separate alternating current to direct current
converter (not shown in FIG. 2C) coupling the charger battery 230
to the circuit breaker panel 240 connected to the power grid for
charging the charger battery 230. For example, the system 280 may
be used to implement the process 400 of FIG. 4, the process 500 of
FIG. 5, the process 600 of FIG. 6, and/or the process 700 of FIG.
7.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of a system 300
including a vehicle 310 with a charging plug interface 330
configured to facilitate charging of a vehicle battery 312. The
vehicle 310 includes a battery 312, an on-board alternating current
to direct current converter 314, a processing apparatus 316, a
transceiver 318, one or more motors 320, and a charging plug
interface 330. The charging plug interface 330 includes a first
pair of conductors 332 (e.g., AC conductors) connected to
alternating current terminals of the on-board alternating current
to direct current converter 314 and a second pair of conductors 334
(e.g., DC conductors) connected to terminals of the battery 312.
The transceiver 318 is connected to one or more conductors 336
(e.g., communications conductors) of the charging plug interface
330. The processing apparatus 316 is configured to transmit one or
more control signals to invoke charging of the battery 312 via
direct current flowing through the second pair of conductors 334
concurrent with charging of the battery 312 via alternating current
flowing through the first pair of conductors 332 to power the
on-board alternating current to direct current converter 314. For
example, the system 300 may be used to implement the process 400 of
FIG. 4, the process 500 of FIG. 5, the process 600 of FIG. 6,
and/or the process 700 of FIG. 7.
[0052] The system 300 includes a vehicle 310. For example, the
vehicle 310 may be an electric automobile, a truck, a boat, or an
aircraft. The vehicle includes one or more motors 320. For example,
the one or more motors 320 may be used move the vehicle 310 by
turning wheels or propellers. For example, the one or more motors
320 may include a direct current brushless motor.
[0053] The vehicle 310 includes a battery 312 configured to deliver
power to the one or more motors 320 to move the vehicle. For
example, the battery 312 may be a lithium-ion battery, a
nickel-metal hydride battery, or a lead-acid battery.
[0054] The vehicle 310 includes an on-board alternating current to
direct current converter 314 with direct current terminals
connected to terminals of the battery 312. The on-board alternating
current to direct current converter 314 may be used to charge the
battery 312. The on-board alternating current to direct current
converter 314 may be part of a versatile on-board charger that
draws low power levels (e.g., 7 kW or 10 kW) from commonly
available alternating current power outlets. For example, the
on-board alternating current to direct current converter 314 may be
configured to convert single phase (e.g., at 50 Hz or 60 Hz)
alternating current at 120 Volts or 240 Volts to direct current for
charging the battery 312.
[0055] The vehicle 310 includes a processing apparatus 316 that
controls the components of the vehicle 310 associated with the
battery 312, including the on-board alternating current to direct
current converter 314. For example, the processing apparatus 316
may implement a battery management system for the vehicle 310. The
processing apparatus 316 is operable to execute instructions that
have been stored in a data storage device. In some implementations,
the processing apparatus 316 is a processor with random access
memory for temporarily storing instructions read from a data
storage device while the instructions are being executed. The
processing apparatus 316 may include single or multiple processors
each having single or multiple processing cores. For example, the
processing apparatus 316 may include a microprocessor or a
microcontroller. Alternatively, the processing apparatus 316 may
include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of
manipulating or processing data. For example, the data storage
device may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a
hard drive, a solid-state drive, a read-only memory device (ROM),
or any other suitable type of storage device such as a
non-transitory computer readable memory. The data storage device
may include another type of device, or multiple devices, capable of
storing data for retrieval or processing by the processing
apparatus 316. For example, a data storage device of the processing
apparatus 316 may store instructions executable by the processing
apparatus 316 that upon execution by the processing apparatus 316
cause the processing apparatus 316 to perform operations to
implement one or more processes described herein. The processing
apparatus 316 may include one or more input/output interfaces
(e.g., serial ports) for controlling other components of the
vehicle 310, including the on-board alternating current to direct
current converter 314 and the transceiver 318. For example, the
processing apparatus 316 may be configured to select modulation
waveforms for gate terminals of switches of a rectifier of the
on-board alternating current to direct current converter 314 to
enable and control the flow of electric power through the on-board
alternating current to direct current converter 314. For example,
the processing apparatus 316 may be configured to control the
transceiver 318 to send/receive data to/from a processing apparatus
(e.g., an electrical vehicle service equipment (EVSE)) of a charger
(e.g., the charger 210 or the charger 252) connected to the
charging plug interface 330.
[0056] The vehicle 310 includes a transceiver 318 connected to one
or more conductors 336 of the charging plug interface 330. For
example, the transceiver 318 may enable communications over the one
or more conductors 336 using a standard compliant signaling
protocol (e.g., a vehicle to grid protocol, such as ISO/IEC
15118-series). In some implementations, the one or more conductors
336 are separate conductors, distinct from the first pair of
conductors 332 and the second pair of conductors 334. In some
implementations, the transceiver 318 implements a broadband over
power line communication protocol (e.g., compliant with the IEEE
1901 standard) and the one or more conductors 336 are one or more
of the second pair of conductors 334, i.e., conductors are reused
for both power transfer and communications between a charger and
the vehicle 310.
[0057] The vehicle 310 includes a charging plug interface 330
including a first pair of conductors 332 connected to alternating
current terminals of the on-board alternating current to direct
current converter 314 and a second pair of conductors 334 connected
to terminals of the battery 312. The charging plug interface 330
may be used to connect to a charger at a corresponding charging
plug interface of the charger (e.g., the charging plug interface
220 of FIGS. 2A-C). For example, the charging plug interface 330
may conform to a standard, such as the J1772 standard for electric
vehicle connectors.
[0058] The processing apparatus 316 may be configured to
communicate with a processing apparatus (e.g., the processing
apparatus 216) of an external/off-board charger (e.g., the charger
210) when the vehicle 310 is connected to the charger and
facilitate charging of the battery 312. In this example, the
processing apparatus 316 communicates with the processing apparatus
of a charger via wired communications over the one or more
conductors 336 of the charging plug interface 330. The processing
apparatus 316 may be configured to transmit one or more control
signals to invoke charging of the battery 312 via direct current
flowing through the second pair of conductors 334 concurrent with
charging of the battery 312 via alternating current flowing through
the first pair of conductors 332 to power the on-board alternating
current to direct current converter 314. In some implementations,
charging of the battery 312 via the first pair of conductors 332 is
performed using a current control mode and charging of the battery
312 via the second pair of conductors 334 is performed using a
current control mode. In some implementations, charging of the
battery 312 via the first pair of conductors 332 is performed using
a voltage control mode and charging of the battery 312 via the
second pair of conductors 334 is performed using a current control
mode. In some implementations, charging of the battery 312 via the
first pair of conductors 332 is performed using a current control
mode and charging of the battery 312 via the second pair of
conductors 334 is performed using a voltage control mode. For
example, the processing apparatus 316 may be configured to transmit
the one or more control signals using the transceiver 318. In some
implementations, the rate at which energy is transferred from a
charger the vehicle 310 may be dynamically adjusted based on
charging parameters (e.g. a time limit) received through a user
interface, as described in relation to the process 700 of FIG.
7.
[0059] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an example of a process 400 for
charging a vehicle battery using an external charger. The process
400 includes connecting 410 a vehicle to a charger using a charging
plug interface that includes a first pair of conductors connected
to alternating current terminals of an on-board alternating
current-to-direct current converter of the vehicle and a second
pair of conductors connected to terminals of a battery of the
vehicle; and charging 420 the battery of the vehicle via direct
current flowing through the second pair of conductors concurrent
with charging of the battery via alternating current flowing
through the first pair of conductors to power the on-board
alternating current to direct current converter. For example, the
process 400 may be implemented using the system 100 of FIG. 1. For
example, the process 400 may be implemented using the system 200 of
FIG. 2A with the vehicle 310 of FIG. 3. For example, the process
400 may be implemented using the system 250 of FIG. 2B with the
vehicle 310 of FIG. 3. For example, the process 400 may be
implemented using the system 280 of FIG. 2C with the vehicle 310 of
FIG. 3.
[0060] The process 400 includes connecting 410 a vehicle (e.g., the
vehicle 110 or the vehicle 310) to a charger (e.g., the charger
120, the charger 210, or the charger 252) using a charging plug
interface (e.g., the charging plug interface 220) that includes a
first pair of conductors connected to alternating current terminals
of an on-board alternating current-to-direct current converter
(e.g., the on-board alternating current-to-direct current converter
314) of the vehicle and a second pair of conductors connected to
terminals of a battery (e.g., the battery 312) of the vehicle. For
example, the vehicle may be positioned (e.g., parked) near the
charger, and then a charging plug interface of the charger may be
connected 410 to a charging plug interface of the vehicle. A
mechanical connection between the two charging plug interfaces may
form electrical connections between corresponding conductors of the
two charging plug interfaces, including the first pair of
conductors and the second pair of conductors. Connecting 410 the
vehicle to the charger may cause communications between processing
apparatus of the vehicle (e.g., a battery management system) and a
processing apparatus of the charger (e.g., an EVSE) to be
initiated.
[0061] The process 400 includes charging 420 the battery of the
vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of
conductors concurrent with charging 420 of the battery via
alternating current flowing through the first pair of conductors to
power the on-board alternating current to direct current converter.
In some implementations, charging 420 of the battery via the first
pair of conductors is performed using a current control mode and
charging 420 of the battery via the second pair of conductors is
performed using a current control mode. In some implementations,
charging 420 of the battery via the first pair of conductors is
performed using a voltage control mode and charging 420 of the
battery via the second pair of conductors is performed using a
current control mode. In some implementations, charging 420 of the
battery via the first pair of conductors is performed using a
current control mode and charging 420 of the battery via the second
pair of conductors is performed using a voltage control mode. The
charger may provide power from a variety of sources through the
conductors of the charging plug interfaces to charge the battery of
the vehicle. For example, the process 500 of FIG. 5 may be
implemented to charge 420 the battery.
[0062] In some circumstances, such as a power outage, it may be
desirable to reverse the flow of power through the charger to draw
power from the battery of the vehicle for other uses (e.g., to
power appliances in a home). For this purpose, the charger may
include one or more power converters that are bidirectional. For
example, the process 600 of FIG. 6 may be implemented to reverse
the flow of power through the charger and draw power from the
battery of the vehicle.
[0063] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example of a process 500 for
charging a vehicle battery using a variety of power sources
coordinated by an external charger. Various sources of electrical
power may be converted to direct current and supplied to the
vehicle via a pair of conductors of a charging plug interface that
are used carry direct current (e.g., the second pair of conductors
224 and the second pair of conductors 334). The process 500
includes selecting 510 one or more alternating current to direct
current converters from among multiple alternating current to
direct current converters of the charger; charging 520 the battery
of the vehicle using the selected one or more alternating current
to direct current converters; charging 530 the battery of the
vehicle from a charger battery; and charging 540 the battery of the
vehicle from a solar cell. The charging steps (520, 530, and 540)
of the process 500 may be performed concurrently or in a variety of
serialized orders. For example, the vehicle battery may be charged
(530, 540) from the charger battery and the solar cell concurrently
to start, and, after the charging battery becomes depleted, the
vehicle battery may be charged (520, 540) using the selected one or
more alternating current to direct current converters battery and
the solar cell concurrently. In some implementations, steps of the
process 500 may be omitted where corresponding components of the
charger are not available. For example, the process 400 may be
implemented using the system 200 of FIG. 2A with the vehicle 310 of
FIG. 3. For example, the process 400 may be implemented using the
system 250 of FIG. 2B with the vehicle 310 of FIG. 3. For example,
the process 400 may be implemented using the system 280 of FIG. 2C
with the vehicle 310 of FIG. 3.
[0064] The process 500 includes selecting 510 one or more
alternating current to direct current converters from among
multiple alternating current to direct current converters of the
charger (e.g., the first alternating current to direct current
converter 212 and the additional alternating current to direct
current converters 270). For example, the alternating current to
direct current converters may be selected 510 based on one or more
control signals received from a vehicle, which may specify current
level for charging or other charging parameters. In some
implementations, charging parameters may be entered through a user
interface of the charger or the vehicle, and the one or more
alternating current to direct current converters may be selected
510 based on the charging parameters (e.g., a time limit for
charging or a maximum current level). For example, the process 700
of FIG. 7 may be implemented to determine the charging
parameters.
[0065] The selected 510 one or more alternating current to direct
current converters are activated to charge 520 the battery of the
vehicle via direct current flowing through the second pair of
conductors. By selectively activating alternating current to direct
current converters, the power level output by the charger may be
adapted to charge the battery of the vehicle in modes suited to
different charging scenarios.
[0066] The process 500 includes charging 530 the battery (e.g., the
battery 312) of the vehicle from a charger battery (e.g., the
charger battery 230) via direct current flowing from a direct
current to direct current converter (e.g., the direct current to
direct current converter 232) through the second pair of conductors
(e.g., DC conductors). High power levels may be drawn from the
charger battery to charge the battery of the vehicle significantly
faster than it could be charged using power drawn from a power grid
through a circuit breaker panel (e.g., the circuit breaker panel
240), which may limit current draw from the power grid. In some
cases, the charger battery can be charged efficiently at opportune
times between chargings of the battery of the vehicle to improve
the energy efficiency of the overall system.
[0067] The process 500 includes charging 540 the battery of the
vehicle from a solar cell via direct current flowing from a direct
current to direct current converter through the second pair of
conductors. The solar cell can provide another source of clean and
economic energy for charging the vehicle battery. In some
implementations, the solar cell can also be used to charge the
charger battery from the solar cell.
[0068] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an example of a process 600 for
powering an external system from a vehicle battery via an external
charger. The process 600 includes receiving 610 a command; and,
responsive to the command, drawing 620 power from a battery (e.g.,
the battery 312) of a vehicle via the second pair of conductors and
a bidirectional alternating current to direct current converter of
the charger. For example, the command may be received 610 via a
user interface of the vehicle or the external charger. The command
may indicate that power should be drawn from the vehicle battery.
For example, power may be drawn from the battery of the vehicle to
power appliances of a home attached to the external charger during
a power outage of a power grid. For example, power may be drawn
from the battery of the vehicle to supply power to a power grid at
opportune times when it is need elsewhere. For example, the process
600 may be implemented using the system 100 of FIG. 1. For example,
the process 600 may be implemented using the system 200 of FIG. 2A
with the vehicle 310 of FIG. 3. For example, the process 600 may be
implemented using the system 250 of FIG. 2B with the vehicle 310 of
FIG. 3. For example, the process 600 may be implemented using the
system 280 of FIG. 2C with the vehicle 310 of FIG. 3.
[0069] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an example of a process 700 for
providing a user interface to enable user control of a charging
process for a vehicle battery. The process 700 includes presenting
710 a user interface; receiving 720 one or more charge parameters
via the user interface; and adjusting 730 current flow on
conductors of a charging plug interface during charging based on
the one or more charge parameters. For example, the process 700 may
be implemented using the system 100 of FIG. 1. For example, the
process 700 may be implemented using the system 200 of FIG. 2A with
the vehicle 310 of FIG. 3. For example, the process 700 may be
implemented using the system 250 of FIG. 2B with the vehicle 310 of
FIG. 3. For example, the process 700 may be implemented using the
system 280 of FIG. 2C with the vehicle 310 of FIG. 3.
[0070] The process 700 includes presenting 710 a user interface.
For example, the user interface may be a graphical user interface
that has fields or icons for entering or selecting charge
parameters, such as a time limit for a charge operation, a charging
mode, a current limit, and/or a power source type (e.g., grid
and/or solar cell). For example, the user interface may be
presented 710 by transmitting data encoding the user interface to
user computing device (e.g., a smartphone or a tablet) that a user
can use to view and interact with the user interface. For example,
the user interface may be presented 710 by displaying the user
interface in a display of the charger or a display of the
vehicle.
[0071] The process 700 includes receiving 720 one or more charge
parameters via the user interface. For example, a user may input
the one or more charging parameters by interacting with (e.g.,
selecting icons or entering text) the user interface. For example,
the one or more charge parameters may be received 720 by receiving
data encoding the one or more charge parameters from a user
computing device (e.g., a smartphone or a tablet) that a user used
to view and interact with the user interface. For example, the one
or more charge parameters may be received 720 by receiving data
from an input device (e.g., a touchscreen) of the charger or an
input device of the vehicle.
[0072] The process 700 includes adjusting 730 current flow on the
second pair of conductors (e.g., the second pair of conductors 224)
during charging based on the one or more charge parameters. For
example, adjusting 730 the current flow may include selecting among
multiple alternating current to direct current converters. For
example, adjusting 730 the current flow may include selecting or
modifying modulation waveforms for gate terminal of switches of an
alternating current to direct current converter (e.g., the first
alternating current to direct current converter 212). For example,
adjusting 730 the current flow may include selecting or modifying
modulation waveforms for gate terminal of switches of a direct
current to direct current converter coupling a charger battery
(e.g., the charger battery 230) to the second pair of conductors.
For example, adjusting 730 the current flow may include selecting
or modifying modulation waveforms for gate terminal of switches of
a direct current to direct current converter (e.g., the a direct
current to direct current converter 232) coupling a solar cell
(e.g., the solar cell 260) to the second pair of conductors.
[0073] As described above, one aspect of the present technology is
the gathering and use of data available from various sources to
improve a user experience and provide convenience. The present
disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data
may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or
can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal
information data can include demographic data, location-based data,
telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID's, home addresses,
data or records relating to a user's health or level of fitness
(e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise
information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal
information.
[0074] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such
personal information data, in the present technology, can be used
to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data
can be used to better time the charging of a charger battery to be
ready for the return of a vehicle for charging or automatically
select charging parameters based on usage patterns. Thus, the use
of some limited personal information may enhance a user experience.
Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the
user are also contemplated by the present disclosure.
[0075] The present disclosure contemplates that the entities
responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer,
storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply
with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In
particular, such entities should implement and consistently use
privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as
meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for
maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such
policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be
updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal
information from users should be collected for legitimate and
reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of
those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should
occur after receiving the informed consent of the users.
Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps
for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information
data and ensuring that others with access to the personal
information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures.
Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by
third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy
policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should
be adapted for the particular types of personal information data
being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and
standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For
instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data
may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas
health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations
and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different
privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data
types in each country.
[0076] Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also
contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use
of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present
disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can
be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information
data. For example, in the case of vehicle charging services, the
present technology can be configured to allow users to select to
"opt in" or "opt out" of participation in the collection of
personal information data during registration for services or
anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to
provide power usage data. In addition to providing "opt in" and
"opt out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing
notifications relating to the access or use of personal
information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading
an app that their personal information data will be accessed and
then reminded again just before personal information data is
accessed by the app.
[0077] Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that
personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to
minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk
can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting
data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable,
including in certain health related applications, data
de-identification can be used to protect a user's privacy.
De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing
specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the
amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location
data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how
data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other
methods.
[0078] Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers
use of personal information data to implement one or more various
disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates
that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the
need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the
various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered
inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal
information data. For example, vehicle charging parameters can be
determined by inferring preferences based on non-personal
information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information,
such as averages of past usage data, other non-personal information
available to the vehicle charging service, or publicly available
information.
* * * * *